Link chain, chain system and method

ABSTRACT

Described is a chain including a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other such that the chain is configured to bend in one direction without back-bending. Each of the plurality of links including a link body include: an inner side facing a bending direction of the chain; an outer side facing opposite the bending direction of the chain; a back-bending prevention portion; a post feature extending laterally across the link body, and a connection feature configured to engage with the post feature of the first other of the pivotally connected plurality of links to create one direction pivotal attachment without back-bending between the links. Further disclosed is a chain system and methods of moving devices with a chain or chain system.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/879,665 filed Jul. 29, 2019and titled “Link Chain, Chain System and Method,” the entirety of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology relates generally to an automated liquid chromatographysystem. More particularly, the technology relates to a method of loadingsamples into a sample manager of a liquid chromatography system.

BACKGROUND

Liquid chromatography (LC) systems commonly use a sample manager toacquire a sample and inject the sample into the system flow (i.e.,mobile phase) of the chromatography system. Sample managers aregenerally provided as a stackable or rack-mountable system module thatmay be in a vertical arrangement with other LC system modules. In aconventional sample manager, a sample-vial carrier having a capacity tohold a number of sample-vials (e.g., 96 vials in a grid configuration)is loaded into the sample manager by a user. Loading is accomplished byopening an access door on the front of the sample manager and manuallyplacing the sample-vial carrier into a compartment in a sample tray.When the chromatographic separations for all samples to be processed arecompleted, the user opens the access door and removes the sample-vialcarrier from the sample tray.

Recently, robotic systems have been used to perform the sample loadingand unloading functions to increase use of the LC system by reducinguser participation. For example, a robot may open the access door to thesample manager, remove a sample-vial carrier from the sample tray,return the sample-vial carrier to a sample storage unit (e.g., a sampleorganizer) or other location, retrieve another sample-vial carrier fortesting from the sample storage unit, load the retrieved sample-vialcarrier into the sample manager and close the door on the samplemanager. Due to the complexity and time required for the robot to openand close the door along with the intervening robotic tasks, the doormay remain open for the entire loading and unloading process. The periodwhen the door is open may be substantial, for example, tens of secondsor more, leading to a significant variation in the internal temperatureof the sample manager due to exposure to the ambient environment. It maybe necessary to wait a predetermined time for the internal temperatureto return to an acceptable level or to monitor the internal temperatureto ensure the return to the acceptable temperature. The time delayincurred may limit the throughput of the LC system.

Chains that are structurally precluded from back-bending have beencreated for various applications and to perform various functions. Forexample, chains precluded from back-bending today are typically used ascable carriers that provide a cavity within which to house cables thatare attached to a moving component of a system. These wire-bearing “dragchains” are designed without the need to withstand the ability ofpushing and pulling, i.e. forces acting on the chain parallel to thelength of the chain. Further, chains precluded from back-bending oftenincorporate complicated link designs with multiple separable features(i.e. links, pins, etc.) which need to be assembled to form the chain.Still further, the structures of known cable carrying chains aretypically significantly restrictive in terms of the rotationstructurally allowable between two chain links. Moreover, typicalone-way bending chain systems do not utilize chains for precisionmovement of laboratory test specimens, such as liquid chromatographysamples and sample holding trays.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a chain includes a plurality of linkspivotally connected to each other such that the chain is configured tobend in one direction without back-bending, each of the plurality oflinks including a link body having: an inner side facing a bendingdirection of the chain; an outer side facing opposite the bendingdirection of the chain; a back-bending prevention portion proximate theouter side of the link body including a first surface and a secondsurface, the first surface configured to prevent back bending whenengaged with the second surface of a first other of the pivotallyconnected plurality of links, and the second surface configured toprevent back bending when engaged with the first surface of a secondbody of the pivotally connected plurality of links; a post featureextending laterally across the link body, the post feature including aportion exposed from the inner side of the chain; and a connectionfeature configured to engage with the post feature of the first other ofthe pivotally connected plurality of links to create one directionpivotal attachment without back-bending between the links.

Additionally or alternatively, the back-bending prevention portionincludes a first flange having the first surface and a second flangehaving the second surface and a web between the first flange and thesecond flange.

Additionally or alternatively, the web extends from the first and secondflanges toward the inner side, and wherein the post feature is connectedto the web at the inner side.

Additionally or alternatively, the post feature includes a first postportion extending from the web in a first direction, and wherein thepost feature includes a second post portion extending from the web in asecond direction that is opposite the first direction.

Additionally or alternatively, the post feature is integrally connectedto the web.

Additionally or alternatively, the post feature is a pin and wherein theweb includes an opening such that the post feature is insertable throughthe opening.

Additionally or alternatively, the connection feature includes a firstu-shaped body defining a first channel and a second u-shaped body havinga second channel, wherein the post feature of the first other of thepivotally connected plurality of links is receivable in the firstchannel and the second channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the web of the first other of thepivotally connected plurality of links is configured to extend betweenthe first u-shaped body and the second u-shaped body.

Additionally or alternatively, the entirety of each of the plurality oflinks is made of a single integral piece of a plastic material.

Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of links areconfigured to bend 90 degrees relative to an adjacent of the pluralityof links.

In another exemplary embodiment, a chain system includes a chainincluding: a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other suchthat the chain is configured to bend in one direction withoutback-bending, each of the plurality of links including a link bodyhaving: a back-bending prevention portion proximate the outer side ofthe link body; a post feature extending laterally across the link body;and a connection feature configured to engage with the post feature ofthe first other of the pivotally connected plurality of links to createone direction pivotal attachment without back-bending between the links.The chain system further includes a magnet attached to a front link ofthe plurality of links of the chain configured to removably connect thechain to a magnetic feature of a device whereby the chain is configuredto push and pull the device along an axis when driven by a drive system.

Additionally or alternatively, the chain system further includes a drivesystem including a rotating gear drive in operable communication with amotor, the rotating gear drive integrating with the post features ofeach of the plurality of links of the chain.

Additionally or alternatively, the motor is a stepper motor configuredto move a belt to create rotation of the rotating gear drive.

Additionally or alternatively, the drive system further includes a drivesystem body, the drive system body defining an inner track configured toguide the chain during movement of the chain by the drive system from aretracted position to an extended position, wherein the rotating geardrive includes teeth that extend into the inner track.

Additionally or alternatively, the chain system further includes adevice track configured to receive the device and guide the device asthe chain moves the device along the axis driven by the drive system.

Additionally or alternatively, the chain system further includes aliquid chromatography system attached to the device track, wherein thedevice is a transfer tray configured to hold a sample vial carrier, andwherein the chain is configured to push and pull the transfer tray alongthe device track into and out of the liquid chromatography system whendriven by the drive system.

Additionally or alternatively, the chain system further includes anaccess door located between the device track and the liquidchromatography system, wherein the access door is in operablecommunication with the drive system.

Additionally or alternatively, the access door is configured to openwhen the chain is extended by the drive system, such that extending thechain from a retracted state is configured to push a transfer traythrough an opening of the access door into the liquid chromatographysystem, and such that retracting the chain from an extended state isconfigured to pull a transfer tray through the opening of the accessdoor out of the liquid chromatography system.

Additionally or alternatively, the device track includes guides that arekeyed to the dimensions of the transfer tray.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method includes providing a chainincluding a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other suchthat the chain is configured to bend in one direction withoutback-bending, wherein the chain includes a magnet attached to a frontlink of the plurality of links; connecting the magnet to a magneticfeature of a device; pushing the device with the chain in a firstdirection by driving the chain with a drive system that includes arotating gear drive in operable communication with a motor; anddisconnecting the magnet from the magnetic feature of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of this invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicatelike elements and features in the various figures. Letters may beappended to reference numbers to distinguish from reference numbers forsimilar features and to indicate a correspondence to other features inthe drawings. For clarity, not every element may be labeled in everyfigure. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis insteadbeing placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a liquid chromatographysystem and shows an interface module and solvent delivery system influidic communication with a conventional sample manager.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid chromatography system of FIG.1 .

FIG. 3 is a top view of an implementation of a sample tray in the samplemanager of FIGS. 1 and 2 .

FIG. 4 is a top view of an example of a transfer drawer.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the sample tray and transfer drawerdisconnected from each other.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the sample tray occupied by twotransfer drawers in their fully inserted positions.

FIG. 6 is a top down view of an alternative example of a sample tray.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the sample manager and the interfacemodule.

FIG. 7B is the view of the sample manager and the interface module ofFIG. 6A with a portion of a housing of the interface module removed.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a window mechanism with the window inthe closed state.

FIG. 8B is the window mechanism of FIG. 7A with the window in the openstate.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a transfer drawer receiving apparatus.

FIG. 10A a perspective view of the chain system and the device track ofthe transfer drawer shown in FIG. 8 with a portion of the drive systembody removed.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the chain system and the device trackof FIG. 8 with the chain in an extended position.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a link of the chain in the chainsystem shown in FIGS. 8A to 9B.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a first link of the chain coupledto a second link of the chain in an extended, straightened and/ornon-bended position.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the chain in a bent position.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representation of an example of a method forloading one or more samples into a sample manager of a liquidchromatography system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference in the specification to “one example” or “an example” meansthat a particular feature, structure or characteristic described inconnection with the example is included in at least one example of theteaching. References to a particular example within the specification donot necessarily all refer to the same example.

The present teaching will now be described in more detail with referenceto examples shown in the accompanying drawings. While the presentteaching is described in conjunction with various examples, it is notintended that the present teaching be limited to such examples. On thecontrary, the present teaching encompasses various alternatives,modifications and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skillin the art. Those of ordinary skill having access to the teaching hereinwill recognize additional implementations, modifications and examples,as well as other fields of use, which are within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a liquid chromatography system 10 forseparating a mixture into its constituents. The liquid chromatographysystem 10 includes a solvent delivery system 12 in fluidic communicationwith a sample manager 14 (also called an injector or an autosampler)through tubing 16. The sample manager 14 is in fluidic communicationwith a chromatographic column 18 and in mechanical and electricalcommunication with an interface module 19. A detector 21, for example, amass spectrometer, is in fluidic communication with the column 18 toreceive the elution. The interface module 19 may be configured toreceive a sample-vial carrier from a robotic system 23 and load it intothe sample manager 14, and to retrieve the sample-vial carrier from thesample manager 14 and provide it to the robotic system 23. Thesample-vial carrier may include a plurality of sample-vials eachcontaining a sample to be separated by the liquid chromatography system.“Sample-vial carrier” herein means any device configured to carry one ormore samples such as a device that holds vials containing sample or as awell plate with individual wells each configured to hold a sample. Therobotic system 23 may be configured to obtain the sample-vial carrierfrom a remote storage unit and to return the sample-vial carrier to theremote storage unit or a different remote storage unit or location.

The solvent delivery system 12 includes a pumping system 20 in fluidiccommunication with solvent reservoirs 22 from which the pumping system20 draws solvents (liquid) through tubing 24. In one embodiment, thepumping system 20 includes a low-pressure mixing gradient pumping systemhaving two pumps fluidically connected in series. In the low-pressuregradient pumping system, the mixing of solvents occurs upstream of thepump, and the solvent delivery system 12 has a mixer 26 in fluidiccommunication with the solvent reservoirs 22 to receive various solventsin metered proportions. This mixture of solvents (i.e., mobile phase)may be based on a variation in the rate at which each solventcontributes to the mixture. Thus, the mobile phase composition can varyover time according to a predetermined composition gradient.

The pumping system 20 is in fluidic communication with the mixer 26 todraw a continuous flow of the mobile phase therefrom for delivery to thesample manager 14. Examples of solvent delivery systems that can be usedto implement the solvent delivery system 12 include, but are not limitedto, the ACQUITY® Binary Solvent Manager and the ACQUITY® QuaternarySolvent Manager, manufactured by Waters Corp. of Milford, Mass.

The sample manager 14 may include an injector valve 28 having a sampleloop 30. The sample manager 14 operates in one of two states: a loadstate and an injection state. In the load state, the configuration ofthe injector valve 28 is such that the sample manager 14 loads a sample32 into the sample loop 30. The sample 32 is drawn from a vial held in asample-vial carrier 100. In the injection state, the configuration ofthe injector valve 28 changes so that the sample manager 14 introducesthe sample in the sample loop 30 into the continuously flowing mobilephase from the solvent delivery system 12. The mobile phase thus carriesthe injected sample to the column 18. In other embodiments, a flowthrough needle (FTN) may be utilized instead of a fixed-loop samplemanager. Using an FTN approach, the sample may be drawn into the needleand then the needle may be moved into a seal. A valve is then switchedto configure the needle to be in-line with the solvent delivery system12.

The liquid chromatography system 10 further includes a data system 34that is in signal communication with the solvent delivery system 12 andthe sample manager 14. The data system 34 has a processor 36 and aswitch 38 (e.g. an Ethernet switch) for handling signal communicationbetween the solvent delivery system 12, sample manager 14, interfacemodule 19 and (optionally) robotic system 23, as described herein.Signal communication among the various modules and systems can be, forexample, electrical or optical and may be based on wireless or wiredtransmission. A host computing system 40 is in communication with thedata system 34 and includes a user interface by which a user candownload various parameters and profiles (e.g., mobile phase compositiongradient) to the data system 34.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the liquid chromatography system 10including the solvent delivery system 12, the sample manager 14, acolumn manager 17 that includes the chromatographic column 18, thesolvents 22, the interface module 19 and a detector module 27 thatincludes the detector 21. Each of the solvent delivery system 12, thesample manager 14, the chromatographic column 18, the detector 21 andthe interface module 19 may include a housing or body within which thevarious features, such as the data system 34, the sample loop 30 andinjector valve 28, the pumping system 20, the mixer 26 and the tubing24, may be enclosed. The various components may be interconnected withfluidic tubes and be in signal communication with the processor 36and/or other elements of the data system 34. The liquid chromatographysystem 10 is shown with the solvent delivery system 12, sample manager14, column manager, detector module and a tray for holding the solvents22 in a vertical stack. The interface module 19 and the sample manager14 may be coupled to each other through openings (i.e., apertures) intheir respective housings, as described below.

The interface module 19 includes a transfer drawer receiving apparatusand a window apparatus. The transfer drawer receiving apparatus includesa device track and a drawer drive system. The device track receives asample-vial carrier on a transfer drawer. The drawer drive systemtransports the transfer drawer having the sample-vial carrier disposedthereon into and out from a sample tray of the sample manager. As usedherein, a sample tray is an internal component of the sample manager.The sample tray can accept and hold one or more sample-vial carriers orsample well plates. For example, the sample tray may be a rotary trayhaving one or more compartments to receive a sample-vial carrier orsample well plate. The window apparatus includes a window controllableto be in an open state and a closed state. When in the open state, thewindow enables transport of the transfer drawer into the sample managerfor loading of the sample-vial carrier into the sample tray and enablestransport of the transfer drawer out from the sample manager forunloading of the sample-vial carrier from the sample tray. When in theclosed state, the window substantially seals an internal environment ofthe sample manager from the ambient environment.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an implementation of a sample tray 101 of thesample manager 14. The sample tray 101 includes two tray locations, afirst location 102 and a second location 104. The two tray locations102, 104 may be symmetrically inserted, like the two halves of a playingcard. Each compartment may hold a transfer drawer 150 (see FIG. 4 ). Inone example, the first and second locations 102, 104 are each also about3.5″ wide by 5″ deep to accommodate the transfer drawers 150. Thelocations 102, 104 and the transfer drawers 150 may be designed tosupport sample-vial carriers or sample-vial plates of differentdimensions. The locations 102, 104 may be compartments, slots,carriages, chambers, cells, or the like.

The sample tray 101 includes a base 112. The base 112 includes a firstside wall 114, a second side wall 116 opposing the first side wall 114,and a cross wall 118 bisecting each of the opposing side walls 114, 116.The side walls 114, 116 and the cross wall 118 may be of a uniformheight and, when viewed from above, together form the capital letter H,with the cross wall 118 dividing the sample tray 101 into the two traylocations 102, 104.

Midway in the cross wall 118 is a circular opening 110 for receiving abolt or a post by which to secure the sample tray 101 to a rotary drivemechanism disposed below the sample chamber. On each of the oppositesides of the cross wall 108 is a semicircular platform 120 a, 120 b. Thesemicircular platforms 120 a, 120 b rise above sunken surfaces 122 a,122 b of the base 112. The two semicircular platforms 120 a, 120 b areopposite halves of a circular platform bisected by the cross wall. Thiscircular platform and the circular opening 110 in the cross wall 118 areconcentric.

Along each side wall 114, 116 on both sides of the cross wall 118 is aside platform 124 raised above the plane of the depressed or sunkensurfaces 122 a, 122 b. Each side wall 114, 116 has a groove 126. Eachside wall 114, 116 further includes a leaf spring assembly 128 a, 128 b,respectively, diagonally opposed from each other across the sample tray101. Each leaf spring assembly 128 is used to bias a transfer drawer 150against an opposing side wall 116, 114.

The sample tray 101 includes one calibration hole 130, which is in oneof the side platforms 124. The calibration hole 130 is an exception tothe inverted symmetry between the tray locations 102, 104, there beingonly one such hole for the sample tray 101. In this example, thecalibration hole 130 is in the first location 102 of the sample tray 101and penetrates entirely through the side platform 124 with a hole in thedatum plate. A metallic or plastic pin is insertable through thecalibration hole and datum plate hole. During calibration, an encoderdetects this pin and uses it to establish a home (i.e. reference)position from which all other tray positions are known. The pin may beremoved after calibration.

A first tray magnet 132 a and a second tray magnet 132 b may be affixedwithin the cross wall 118 of the sample tray 101. More than two magnetsare contemplated as shown. In other examples, a single magnet with anopening aligned to the circular opening 110 may extend across theentirety of the cross wall 118. While the magnets 132 a, 132 b are shownon a top or upper surface of the sample tray 101, in other examples, themagnets 132 a, 132 b may be located on an underside or bottom surface ofthe sample tray 101 such that the magnetic fields of the magnets 132 a,132 b may extend through the body of the sample tray 101, as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 9,194,847, which is hereby incorporated by reference.Whatever the implementation, the magnets 132 a, 132 b located on thesample tray 101 may be configured to magnetically attract tocorresponding magnets on the transfer drawers 150 and to retain thetransfer drawer 150 in a removably coupled position with respect to thetransfer tray 101 as described below.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a transfer drawer 150 in accordance withone example. The transfer drawer 150 may be a rectangular sample-vialcarrier that is 3.5″ wide by 5″ deep. The transfer drawer 150 has aplanar surface 152 with opposing side edges 154 a, 154 b, a handle 156at a front edge 158, and an arcuate rear edge 160 that forms prongs 162a, 162 b. Extending from each of the prongs 162 a, 162 b is a post 164a, 164 b, respectively. The posts 164 a, 164 b may serve as positionalguides or locators for directing a sample-vial carrier onto the planarsurface 152 of the transfer drawer 150. Each side edge 154 a, 154 b mayfurther include a side tongue 166 a, 166 b extending along a length ofthe edge. The side tongues 166 a, 166 b enter the grooves 126 of thesample tray 101. As the transfer drawer 150 slides into one of the firstor second locations 102, 104, the side tongues 142 slide through thegrooves 126 in the side platforms 124.

The transfer drawer 150 includes a first plurality of drawer magnetholders 168 a located in the first prong 162 a holding a first drawermagnet 169 a. The transfer drawer 150 includes a second plurality ofdrawer magnet holders 168 b located in the second prong 162 b holding asecond drawer magnet 169 b. The drawer magnet holders 168 a, 168 b maybe configured to hold, retain, or secure the first and second drawermagnets 169 a, 169 b to the transfer drawer 150. In other examples, thefirst and second rear magnets 169 a, 169 b may be affixed or otherwiseattached, fashioned, stuck or glued to the prongs 162 a, 162 b. When thetransfer drawer 150 is inserted into one of the locations 102, 104 ofthe sample tray 101, the first and second drawer magnets 169 a, 169 bmay be aligned with, and magnetically attracted to, the first and secondtray magnets 132 a, 132 b, respectively, as described in more detailbelow. The first and second drawer magnets 169 a, 169 b may each be asingle magnet, or may each include a plurality of magnets in otherexamples. The first and second drawer magnets 169 a, 169 b may be anynumber of magnets configured to provide the desired level of magneticattraction to the first and second tray magnets 132 a, 132 b. While thefirst and second drawer magnets 169 a, 169 b are shown located on theupper surface or top of the transfer drawer 150, in other examples, thefirst and second drawer magnets 169 a, 169 b may be affixed to theunderside or bottom surface of the transfer drawer 150.

The transfer drawer 150 further includes a transfer magnet 170 disposedon the handle 156. The transfer magnet 170 is used to engage a drivemagnet of a drawer drive system used to push or pull the transfer drawer150 into or out from the sample tray 101 of the sample manager 14.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the sample tray 101 and transfer drawer150 disconnected from each other and FIG. 5B is a perspective view ofthe sample tray 101 occupied by two transfer drawers 150 in their fullyinserted positions. Although absent from FIG. 5B to better show theposts 164 relative to open regions in the cross wall 118, the drawermagnets 169 on the transfer drawer 150 are in engagement with the traymagnets 132. Thus, the magnets 132, 169 ensure an accurate positioningof each transfer drawer 150 along the direction of drawer travel and theleaf spring assemblies 128 ensure an accurate position of each transferdrawer 150 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of drawertravel. The sample tray 101 may be rotated about the vertical axis 140to accommodate either manual or robotic loading. For example, the sampletray 101 may be oriented in a first position such that one of thetransfer drawers 150 can be accessed from the front of the samplemanager 14 through the access door 16 (FIG. 2 ) for manual loading andunloading. The other transfer drawer 150 can be accessed through theaccess door 16 by rotating the sample tray 101 by 180°. Alternatively,the sample tray 101 may be oriented at a second position that is at 90°degrees to the first position such that one of the transfer drawers 150can be accessed through a side access in the sample manager, asdescribed below, for robotic loading and unloading. Rotating by 180°from the second position allows the other transfer drawer 150 to beloaded or unloaded by the robotic system 23.

FIG. 6 is a top down view of an alternative example of a sample tray 172which includes four compartments 178 each for holding a transfer drawer150. The compartments 178 are disposed with an angular separation of 90°from each neighboring compartments. Two of the compartments 178 areoccupied by sample-vial carriers 174 in the corresponding transferdrawers 150, a third compartment 178 at the top of the figure has apartially retracted transfer drawer 150 and the fourth compartment 178is shown with its transfer drawer 150 fully removed. The base 112 issized to encircle the remainder of the sample tray 172 when all fourtransfer drawers 150 are fully inserted into their compartments 178. Thesample tray 172 may be substantially larger than the sample tray 101shown in FIG. 3 to accommodate the additional compartments 178 andsample-vial carriers 174. In this configuration, the sample tray 172 canbe moved in 90° increments to allow access to any one of thecompartments 178. In still other alternative examples, the sample traymay include three compartments and transfer drawers or five or morecompartments and transfer drawers. The dimensions of the compartmentsand transfer drawers may vary according to the number of compartment anddrawers, and according to the size of the sample-vial carriers.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the sample manager 14 and the interfacemodule 19. A portion of the housing surrounding the internal componentsof the sample manager 14 is removed to permit viewing of the internalenvironment defined by the housing. FIG. 7B is a view similar to thatshown in FIG. 7A; however, a portion of a housing 301 that enclosescomponents of the interface module 19 is removed to permit viewing ofinternal components. The transfer drawer 150 is shown in a positionawaiting transfer of a sample-vial carrier 310 into the sample manger 14or awaiting removal of the sample-vial carrier 310 from the transferdrawer 150 such as part of an unloading process.

The sample manager 14 includes a front access door 16 which may bemanually opened by grasping a handle 304 and pulling to permit a user toaccess the internal components such as the sample tray 101. This meansof access may be used for manual loading and unloading of sample-vialcarriers 310. The sample manager 14 further includes a side enclosurepanel 306 having an aperture that provides a second means of access toits internal environment, for example, to provide a means for loadingand unloading by the robotic system 23.

The interface module 19 includes a transfer drawer receiving apparatus400 (see FIG. 8 ) used for loading the sample-vial carrier 310 into thesample manager 14 and for unloading the sample-vial carrier 310 from thesample manager 14. The loading and unloading processes may be performedusing a robotic system 23 such as a system having a robotic arm toprovide the sample-vial carrier 310 to the transfer drawer 150 and toremove the sample-vial carrier 310 from the transfer drawer 150.Alternatively, a user can manually load and unload sample-vial carriers310 using the interface module 19 or using the access door 16 at thefront of the sample manager 14 for direct access to the sample tray 101.

The interface module 19 includes a plate 312 that may be secured orotherwise mounted to the side enclosure panel 306 of the sample manager14 using bolts, screws or the like. The plate 312 may have athermally-insulating material, such as a conformable foam, attached tothe side of the plate 312 nearest the side enclosure panel 306. Theplate 312 includes a plate aperture 314 that is nominally aligned withthe aperture (not visible) in the side enclosure panel 306 of the samplemanager 14. In addition, the transfer drawer receiving apparatus 400includes a device track 410 along which the transfer drawer 150 movesinto and out from the sample manager 14. The device track 410 may beattached near or at one end to one or more internal structures insidethe sample manager 14.

The interface module 19 further includes a window mechanism having awindow that can be controlled to be in an open state and a closed state.As used herein, “window” means a blockable aperture, or blockableopening, in a structure (e.g., the plate 312). The sample-vial carrier310 can pass through the window when the window is in an open state. Thewindow prevents passage of the sample-vial carrier 310 andenvironmentally seals the sample manager 14 when the window is in aclosed state.

Referring back to FIG. 5B, the sample tray 101 may include a built-inleak management system which may be configured to account for spillageand waste management of samples or fluids within the sample manager 14.Thus, the sample tray 101 may be designed in a manner such that anyfluidic leaks will travel along the bottom of the tray to one or morewaste port(s). The leak paths may be solvent resistant in order toprevent damage within the sample manager 14. Additionally, spillage mayoccur outside the sample manager 14 at the interface module 19. Theinterface module 19 may include a leak management system that leveragesthe leak management waste port within the sample manager 14 in thesample tray 101. Particularly, the interface module 19 include achannel, crevasse, indentation, or fluidic path along a solventresistant surface that transfers a leak or spill from the interfacemodule 19 to the sample tray 101 within the sample manager 14. The leakor spill may then be transferred from the interface module 19 to the oneor more waste portals of the sample tray 101. This may obviate the needfor the interface module 19 from requiring its own leak management port(and associated tubing) therein. However, it is also contemplated thatthe interface module 19 could be configured with its own secondary leakmanagement portal that is additional to the one or more waste port(s)within the sample tray 101 and/or sample manager 14. Further, such aleak management system within the interface module 19 may protect anyelectronics within the interface module 19.

FIG. 8A show a perspective view of the window mechanism 300 with thewindow in the closed state and FIG. 8B shows a view of the windowmechanism with the window in the open state. A bracket 302 and a windowpanel 318 visible in FIG. 8A are not shown in FIG. 8B to permit viewingof components that would otherwise be obscured. An aperture 314 in theplate 312 is aligned to the aperture in the side panel 306 of thehousing of the sample manager 14. When the window is in a closed state,foam or another conformable sealing material engages an outer surface ofthe side enclosure panel 306, at least around the aperture in the sidepanel 306 and the device track 410 (described below, to seal the samplemanager 14 and facilitate thermal control of the internal environment ofthe sample manager 14. Although a bottom portion of the aperture 314 inthe plate 312 is shown as unobstructed in the closed state according toFIG. 8A, other components of the interface module 19, such as the devicetrack 410 in the transfer drawer receiving apparatus, are not shown inthe drawing but occupy the lower portion of the aperture 314 so that theaperture 314 is fully obstructed. The window is put into the open stateto enable transport of the transfer drawer 150 into and out from thesample manager 14 through the aperture in the side enclosure panel 306during loading of the sample-vial carrier 310 into the sample tray 101and during unloading of the sample-vial carrier 310 from the sample tray101. The window is preferably maintained in the closed state at othertimes to reduce or minimize the exposure of the internal environment ofthe sample manager 14 to the ambient environment.

In the illustrated implementation, the bracket 302 can be moved upwardto open the window and to move downward to close the window. A windowpanel 318, e.g., a thin sheet metal plate, is attached to the bracket302 and is the element that blocks and seals the aperture in the samplemanager side enclosure panel 306. Referring to FIG. 8B, the window panel318 is not shown; however, the attachment points 320 (e.g., bolt holes)where the window panel 318 attaches to the bracket 302 are visible. Theside of the window panel 318 that faces the sample manager 14 ispreferably covered with a foam or other thermally-insulating material.In addition, the perimeter of the window panel 318 that comes intocontact with the side enclosure panel 306 preferably includes athermally-insulating conformable material to seal around the perimeterof the aperture in the panel 306. In some implementations, thethermally-insulating materials are the same material.

The bracket 302 is attached on one side via bushings 322 to a firstvertical post 324. At the other side of the bracket 302, a pair ofguides 326 engage a second vertical guide post 328 to maintain thebracket 302 parallel to the back plate 312. The bracket 302 is drivenvertically upward or downward through rotation of a lead screw 330 thatis driven by a rotary motor (e.g., stepper motor) 332 and belt 336. Twooptical sensors 334 a and 334 b are attached to the plate 312. The firstoptical sensor 334 a is blocked by an “optical flag” 338 when thebracket 302 moves upward to a position at which the window isunobscured, i.e., in the open state to permit loading and unloadingoperations. The second optical sensor 334 b is blocked by the opticalflag 338 when the bracket 302 moves downward to a position at which thewindow is in the closed state. In an alternative example, the opticalsensors 334 are omitted and an indexer tracks the rotation of a steppermotor to determine when the window is in the open state or the closedstate.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , a perspective view is shown of the transferdrawer receiving apparatus 400 including a chain system 402 having achain 404, a drive magnet 406, and a chain drive system 408 configuredto move the chain 404 in a direction parallel to the device track 410.The chain system 402 is housed within the housing 310 of the interfacemodule 19, which has been removed in the view shown in FIG. 9 . Thechain system 402 is configured to push and/or pull transfer drawers 150along the device track 410.

While the description of the chain system 402 hereinafter will focus onone specific implementation of a chain and accompanying drive andattachment systems or mechanisms, some or all of the various features ofthe chain system 402, the chain 404, the drive magnet 406, and/or thechain drive system 408 may be incorporated into various embodiments andvarious implementations. For example, rather than a liquidchromatography system, the chain 404, with or without the drive magnet406 and/or drive system 408, may be utilized in various other laboratorysystems, testing systems, assembly systems, pick and place systems,dispensing systems, or various other automated, robotic or manualmachines, devices or systems.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention include a one-way bendingchain that is precluded from back bending, incorporating the linkstructure described herein. Other embodiments of the present inventioninclude a magnet attached to a push-pull drive chain incorporating thedescribed link and chain structure. Still other embodiments include achain having links with a post that is exposed from an inner side of achain configured to receive teeth of a drive gear. Still further,embodiments of the invention may include a one-way bending chain that isprecluded from back bending, incorporating links having an integralplastic body structure, without requiring separable pins and linkbodies. Embodiments of the invention may include a one-way bending chainthat is precluded from back bending but allows for 90-degree bendingbetween two adjacent links by, for example, utilizing the link structuredescribed herein.

Other embodiments of the invention include using a chain system,including some or all of the structure described herein, for aninterface module, such as the interface module 19, that is configured toload and unload sample trays or samples, for a sample managing systemused for chromatography, liquid chromatography, or any other sampleanalysis system. For example, embodiments of the invention may includeutilizing a one-way bending chain that is precluded from back bending,in combination with a chain drive system, to push and pull transferdrawers having samples into and out of an analytical chamber, such asthe liquid chromatography sample manager 14.

Referring still to FIG. 9 , the chain 404 includes a plurality of links450 that are attached, coupled, or otherwise connected such that thechain 404 is configured to bend in a first direction without backbending in an opposite direction from the first direction. Each of thelinks 450 of the chain 404 may include the same structure, as shown inFIG. 11 and described herein below.

The chain 404 is shown driven by the chain drive system 408 thatcomprises a stepper motor 412 that turns a drive belt 414 to rotate adrive gear 416. The drive gear 416 is shown having a larger radius thanthe stepper motor 412, which may be desirable to increase precision ofmovement translated from the stepper motor 412 by the drive gear 416 tothe chain 404. However, other embodiments are contemplated in which theradius of the drive belt 414 at the stepper motor 412 is the same orlarger than the radius of the drive belt 414 at the drive gear 416.

In other embodiments (not shown), the chain 404 may be driven by adirect drive system, rather than the drive system shown, which requiresthe drive belt 414 to rotate the drive gear 416. In such a direct drivesystem, the drive belt 414 and gear 416 may not be necessary. Instead,the motor may turn an output shaft that is directly interfaces with thechain 404 for movement thereof. Thus, the invention is not limited tothe specific drive mechanism shown, and other mechanisms for moving thechain 404 are contemplated.

The stepper motor 412 may provide for precise movement of the chain 404.The stepper motor 412 may be one of various forms of stepper motors,such as a unipolar motor, a bipolar motor, or the like. The steppermotor 412 may be configured to rotate both clockwise andcounterclockwise in order to create rotation on the gear drive 416 andextend or retract the chain 404. The stepper motor 412 may include anindexer or other microprocessor for controlling movement, along with adriver for converting indexer signals to power. While the stepper motor412 may provide for movement of the chain 404 in a manner that does notrequire additional position sensors or feedback in order to verify theaccuracy or position of the chain 404 and/or drive magnet 406 that isattached thereto, position or movements sensors may be provided tomonitor the chain drive system 408. While the stepper motor 412 may beone embodiment contemplated for driving the chain 404, other types ofmotors, systems, or the like are contemplated, such as servo motors,brushless DC motors, or the like.

The chain system 400 is further shown having a drive system body 420including a first plate 422 and a second plate 424. A plurality ofmale-female spacers 426 are shown connecting and spacing apart the firstplate 422 and the second plate 424. The male-female spacers 426 areshown comprising an externally threaded male head threaded into aninternally threaded female hexagonal spacer post. The drive system body420 may be configured to house and protect the chain 404 and guide themovement of the chain 404 created through the stepper motor 412. Itshould be understood that the drive system body 420 is one example of ahousing for accomplishing this functionality and that other housings arecontemplated. For example, the chain 404 may be fully enclosed by thedrive system body 420 rather than being spaced apart by the plurality ofmale-female spacers 426.

FIG. 10A depicts a perspective view of the chain system 400 and thedevice track 410 of FIG. 9 , with a portion of the drive system body 420removed in accordance with one embodiment. The second plate 424 of thedrive system body 420 is removed in FIG. 10A, in order to reveal thestepper motor 412, the drive belt 414 and the drive gear 416 of thechain drive system 408, along with the male-female spacers 426. As shownin FIG. 10A, the first plate 422 of the drive system body 420 includesan inner track 430 configured to guide the chain 404 during movement bythe chain drive system 408 from a retracted position shown, to anextended position (not shown) where the chain 404 extends along thedevice track 410. The inner track 430 accommodates the entire length ofthe chain 404 in its retracted position, as shown. The left and rightsides of the chain 404, and the posts extending therefrom may be housedwithin the inner track 430. While the inner track 430 of the first plate422 is shown, it should be understood that the second plate 424 includesa corresponding inner track for receiving the side of the chain 404 (andthe posts thereof) that is exposed in FIG. 10 .

As shown, the inner track 430 may be curved in one direction toaccommodate the chain 404 that is configured to bend in one directionwithout back-bending. The inner track 430 is shown curving around thedrive gear 416. The inner track 430 may be dimensioned to be slightlylarger than the chain 404 itself so that the chain 404 slides easilywithin the inner track 430 with only the sliding friction between thematerial of each. The inner track 430 and/or chain 404 may includelubrication or other friction reducing mechanism to provide for ease ofextension and retraction of the chain 404 therein.

The gear drive 416 may be configured to rotate when the belt 414 ismoved by the rotating stepper motor 412. The gear drive 416 may beconfigured to integrate with a post feature (described more specificallyherein below and shown in FIG. 11 ) of each of the links 450 of thechain 404. The gear drive 416 may include a gear having teeth whichextend into the inner track 430 of the drive system body 420 to providefor meshing or otherwise coupling between the gear drive 416 and thechain 404. The teeth of the gear drive 416 may extend into the innertrack 430 at a curved portion that curves around the circular profile ofthe gear drive 416 to allow an increased length of the chain 404 to beenmeshed with the gear drive 416 relative to another embodiment having agear drive that extends into a straight portion of the track.

The device track 410 includes a track base 440 having a base channel441, a left wall 442 having a left channel 443, and a right wall 444having a right channel 445. The left wall 442 and the right wall 444each include a spacing, opening, or removed section 446 configured toreceive the access door 16 described hereinabove. The channels 441, 443,445 and dimensions of the device track 410 may be keyed to theparticular dimensions and corresponding protrusions of the transferdrawers 150 described hereinabove. However, in other embodiments, thedevice track 410 may include any dimensions and/or channels or extendingprotrusions appropriate to move whatever device requires pushing andpulling with the chain system 400.

FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view of the chain system 400 and thedevice track 410 of FIG. 9 , having the chain 404 in an extendedposition, in accordance with one embodiment. When in the retractedposition shown in FIG. 10A, the stepper motor 412 may be rotated,causing the belt 414 to exact rotation on the gear drive 416 which ismeshed with one or more exposed post features of the links of the chainto drive the chain forward along the inner track 430 and out of thedrive system body 420. When a transfer drawer 150 is magneticallyattached to the drive magnet 406, this extraction or extension of thechain 404 by the chain drive system 408, is configured to move thetransfer drawer 150 along the device track 410. Thus, the chain drivesystem 408 may be configured to apply enough force on the chain 404 toovercome the static and/or sliding friction between the transfer drawer150 and the device track 410. As shown, the chain 404 may be long enoughsuch that at least a portion of the back end of the chain 404 may remainin the inner track 430 of the drive system body 420 when the chain 404is in the extended state. This may facilitate retraction of the chain404 back into the drive system body 420.

In one embodiment, the chain 404 may remain in the retracted state(shown in FIG. 10A) by default. This may allow for the transfer drawer150 to be placed onto the device track 410 manually, or by a robotic orautomated system. Once the transfer drawer 150 is placed in position onthe device track 410, extension of the chain 404 may be initiated by thechain drive system 408. This movement may place the drive magnet 406 inmagnetic attachment with a magnet of the transfer drawer 150 forsubsequent movement of the transfer drawer 150 through the access door16.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a link 450 of the chain 430 of thechain system 400 of FIGS. 9 and 10 in accordance with one embodiment.The link 450 represents one of the links of the chain 404. However, thechain 404 may comprise as many of the links 450 in order to provide fora sufficient length for a given application. Each of the links 450 ofthe chain 404 may have the same structure, shown in FIG. 10 as the link450 a.

As shown, the link 450 includes a link body 452 having an inner side 454facing a bending direction B of the chain 404. The link body 452 furtherincludes an outer side 456 facing opposite the bending direction B ofthe chain 404. The link body 452 still further includes a back-bendingprevention portion 458 proximate the outer side 456 of the link body452. The back-bending prevention portion 458 includes a first surface460 and a second surface 462. The first surface 460 is configured toprevent back bending when engaged with the second surface of a firstother of the pivotally connected links 450 (as shown in FIG. 12 anddescribed in more detail herein below). The second surface 462 isconfigured to prevent back-bending when engaged with the first surfaceof a second other of the pivotally connected links 460. The link body452 still further includes a post feature 464 extending laterally acrossthe link body 452. The post feature 464 includes a portion 466 exposedfrom the inner side 454 of the chain 404 when the link 450 is connectedor otherwise coupled to adjacent links to form the chain 404. The linkbody 452 still further includes a connection feature 468 that isconfigured to engage with the post feature 464 of the first other of thepivotally connected links 450 b to create one direction pivotalattachment without back-bending between the links 450.

Referring more specifically to the back-bending prevention portion 458,this portion includes a first flange 470 having the first surface 460and a second flange 472 having the second surface 462 and a web 474extending between the first flange 470 and the second flange 472. Thefirst flange 470, the second flange 472 and the web 474 may create an Ishaped cross section when viewing the outer side 456 from above. Thefirst surface 460 extends in a plane that is parallel to the axis of thepost feature 464 and also parallel to the vertically extending axisdefined by the bending direction B. The web 474 creates the middle ofthe I shape and extends between the first flange 470 and the secondflange 472. The web 474 also extends in the vertical bending direction Bbelow the first and second flanges 470, 472 toward the inner side 454 ofthe chain 404.

The post feature 464 is connected to the web 474 at the inner side 454of the chain 404. The post feature 464 is shown including a first postportion 476 extending from the web 474 in a first direction, and asecond post portion 478 extending from the web 474 in a second directionthat is opposite the first direction. The post feature 464 extendsbetween the link body 452 in a direction that is parallel to the planeof the first and second surfaces 460, 462 of the first and secondflanges 470, 472. The post feature 464 extends across the link body 452in direction that is perpendicular to the direction the length of thechain 404 extends.

As shown, the post feature 464 is integrally connected to the web 474.For example, the entirety of the link body 452 may be made of a singlematerial mold. In one embodiment, the link body 452 may be made ofmolded plastic. In other embodiments, the link body 452 may be made ofmolded metal. Still other embodiments, the link body 452 may be threedimensionally printed. In still other embodiments, some or all of thefeatures of the link body 452 may be created by attaching, connecting,or otherwise coupling more than one component together. For example, inone contemplated embodiment, the post feature 464 is instead a separatepin component and the web 474 includes at least one opening such thatthe post feature 464 is insertable through the opening and held in placeby interference fit, or with any other attachment means, such as a crimpring retainer or the like. Various other structural embodiments arecontemplated.

Extending from the second flange 472 in the bending direction B belowthe second flange 472 is the connection feature 468. The connectionfeature 468 includes a first u-shaped body 480 defining a first channel482 and a second u-shaped body 484 having a second channel (not shown).The first and second u-shaped bodies 480, 484, and respective channels482 each comprise the same structural dimension. The post feature 464 ofadjacent pivotally connected links are receivable in the first channeland the second channel, as shown more specifically in FIG. 12 .Similarly, the web 474 of adjacent pivotally connected links areconfigured to extend between the first u-shaped body 480 and the secondu-shaped body 484. The connection feature 468 still further includes ashelf 486 upon which a lower surface of the first flange 470 of theback-bending prevention portion 458 may rest when two adjacent links arein an extended, straight and/or non-bended position.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a first link 450 a of the chain430 coupled to a second link 450 b of the chain 404 in an extended,straightened and/or non-bended position accordance with one embodiment.The first and second links 450 a, 450 b are each shown as including thesame structure and dimensions as the link 450 of FIG. 11 . As shown, thepost feature 464 b of the second link 450 b is coupled to the connectionfeature 468 a of the first link 450 a. In particular, each of thechannels 482 a of the u-shaped bodies 480 a of the first link 450 a areshown having received the post feature 464 b of the second link 450 b.While hidden by the body of the first link 450 a, the web 474 b of thesecond link 450 b extends through the opening between the two connectionfeatures 468 a of the first link 450 a. In the extended position shown,the first flange 470 b of the second link 450 b is almost resting on theshelf 486 a of the first link 450 a. Still further, the first surface460 b of the second link 450 b is shown adjacent and proximate thesecond surface 462 a of the first link 450 a. Because a narrow gapexists between the surfaces 462 a, 460 b of the first and second links450 a, 450 b, the chain 404 is not fully extended and is very slightlybent. When the narrow gap closes completely, the first and second links450 a, 450 b become fully extended and are stopped or otherwiseprevented from back-bending by the contact between the surfaces 462 a,460 b and/or the contact with the first flange 470 b of the second link450 b with the shelf 486 a of the first link 450 a.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the chain 430 in a bent position,in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the chain 430 includes a90-degree bend between two adjacent links 450 a, 450 b. FIG. 13 showsthat the structure of the links 450 a, 450 b provide a coupling thatallows for 90-degree bending without separation or decoupling. This90-degree maximum bent state provided for by the structure of the twoadjacent links 450 a, 450 b allows for the chain 404 to have a maximumamount of inward flexibility in the bending direction B. In someembodiments, the maximum bending may be less than 90 degrees whilemaintaining attachment of adjacent links 450 a, 450 b.

Methods of pushing and/or pulling a device with a chain are alsocontemplated. For example, a method may include providing a chain, suchas the chain 404, including a plurality of links, such as the links 450,pivotally connected to each other such that the chain is configured tobend in one direction without back-bending. The chain includes a magnet,such as the drive magnet 406, attached to a front link of the pluralityof links. The method may include connecting the magnet to a magneticfeature of a device, such as the transfer drawer 150. The method furthermay include pushing the device with the chain in a first direction bydriving the chain with a drive system, such as the drive system 408,that includes a rotating gear drive, such as the gear drive 416 inoperable communication with a motor, such as the stepper motor 412. Themethod may still further include disconnecting the magnet from themagnetic feature of the device.

Methods may further include fashioning a non-back-bending, one way chainthat comprises duplicated integral links made of, for example, a moldedplastic. Methods may include maintaining attachment between links of aone-way bending chain that is precluded from back bending, when one linkis bent up to 90 degrees about another link. Methods may further includeutilizing a one-way bending chain that is precluded from back bendingchain for automating the loading and unloading of a device into atesting machine. Specifically, methods may include utilizing a one-waybending chain that is precluded from back bending having a magneticdrive feature for loading and unloading transfer drawers configured tohold sample vial carriers into and out of a liquid chromatography systemsuch as a sample manager.

The interface module 19 further includes a processor in communicationwith the transfer drawer receiving apparatus 400, window apparatus 300and/or the chain system 402. The processor may be implemented as anelectronics control board such as a printed circuit board withelectronics components, and/or may be implemented with one or morediscrete processing elements such as a microprocessor. The processorcontrols the functions of the transfer drawer receiving apparatus 400,including controlling the transport of the transfer drawer 150 into andout from the sample tray 101. This may include controlling the steppermotor 412, drive belt 414 and drive gear 416, for example. Similarly,the processor controls the functions of the window apparatus 300,including opening and closing the window. For example, the processor canissue control commands, such as commands to the motors 412 and 332 ofthe transfer drawer receiving apparatus 400 and window apparatus 300,respectively, in response to signals received from one or more opticalsensors, magnetic sensors and the like. Thus, the processor may be inoperable communication with one or more various sensor devices disposedas needed within the interface module 19 to assure precision ofmovement, the timing of opening and closing the window apparatus 300.The processor may be configured to reduce the amount of “open” time to aminimum (i.e. only when the transfer tray is being inserted or removedfrom the system through the window apparatus 300) to ensure minimalfluctuation in the internal atmospheric conditions within the liquidchromatography system, and the like. In an alternative example, theprocessor may be implemented as part of a liquid chromatography systemprocessor (e.g., processor 34 in FIG. 1 ) used to control operation ofadditional components of a liquid chromatography system, such asoperations of valves and pumps. In another alternative example, theprocessor is in further communication with the robotic system used toprovide sample-vial carriers to and/or remove sample-vial carriers fromthe transfer drawer. In still other embodiments, multiple processors maybe utilized—one controlling the chain system 402 and the drive systemthereof, and the other controlling the window apparatus 300.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representation of an example of a method 500 forloading one or more samples into a sample manager of a liquidchromatography system. The method 500 includes opening (510) the windowof the window apparatus to enable access to the sample tray of thesample manager. Subsequently, the transfer drawer is pulled (520) fromthe sample tray through the window so that the transfer drawer isexternally accessible. The window is then closed (step 530) to maintainan acceptable internal environment for the sample manager. Preferably,the duration when the window is open is no more than a few seconds(e.g., less than three seconds). An acceptable duration may bedetermined according to the frequency of load and unload operations andaccording to the time required to move the transfer drawer between itsfully inserted position and its fully withdrawn position. For example,the transfer drawer may be made accessible to a programmable arm orother robotic manipulator mechanism. Any previously loaded sample-vialcarrier is grasped or otherwise acquired by the robotic arm, removed(step 540) from the transfer drawer and placed in a remote storagelocation or other location within range of the robotic arm.

The robotic arm moves to a location remote to the liquid chromatographysystem where one or more sample-vial carriers are stored. For example,the sample-vial carriers may be stored in a sample organizer withinreach of the robotic arm and may have multiple shelves each configuredto hold a sample-vial carrier. The sample organizer may include athermally-controlled storage environment. The robotic arm acquires asample-vial carrier containing one or more sample-vials and moves thesample-vial carrier along a path toward the interface module. Thesample-vial carrier is placed (step 550) on the transfer drawer. Thewindow of the transfer window apparatus is opened (step 560) and thetransfer drawer receiving apparatus pushes (step 570) the transferdrawer through the open window until the transfer drawer is in theproperly loaded position with the sample-vial carrier on the sampletray.

The transfer drawer receiving apparatus is then disengaged (decoupled)(step 580) from the transfer drawer. This is accomplished by decouplingthe drive magnet on the chain of the transfer drawer receiving apparatusfrom the transfer magnet on the transfer drawer. Decoupling isaccomplished by rotating the sample tray about its rotation axis so thatthe resulting shear force between the coupled magnets is enough toovercome the magnetic attraction force between the magnets. For example,the sample tray may be commanded to rotate 90° about the vertical axis140 shown in FIG. 5B. After the magnets are decoupled, the transferchain and drive magnet are retracted (590) through the open window to anexternal position outside the sample manager before the window is closed(step 600). Operation of the sample manager may resume at this time orthere may be a delay imposed to allow for the temperature of theinternal environment to settle to an acceptable value.

It will be recognized that the certain steps of the method 500 may occurin a different order or may be omitted. For example, the window mayremain open for the full duration of the time required to remove asample-vial carrier from the sample manager and to load the nextsample-vial carrier into the sample manager. Moreover, some aspects ofthe method 500 may be performed simultaneously. For example, two roboticarms may be used: one robotic arm for removing a sample-vial carrier anda second robotic arm to load another sample-vial carrier without thedelay otherwise incurred in waiting for a single robotic arm to beavailable for loading after an unload operation.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tospecific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in theart that various changes in form and detail may be made therein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited in the accompanyingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chain comprising: a plurality of linkspivotally connected to each other such that the chain is configured tobend in one direction without back-bending, each of the plurality oflinks including a link body having: an inner side facing a bendingdirection of the chain; an outer side facing opposite the bendingdirection of the chain; a back-bending prevention portion proximate theouter side of the link body including a first surface and a secondsurface, the first surface configured to prevent back bending whenengaged with the second surface of a first other of the pivotallyconnected plurality of links, and the second surface configured toprevent back bending when engaged with the first surface of a secondbody of the pivotally connected plurality of links; a post featureextending laterally across the link body, the post feature including aportion exposed from the inner side of the chain; and a connectionfeature configured to engage with the post feature of the first other ofthe pivotally connected plurality of links to create one directionpivotal attachment without back-bending between the links, wherein eachof the plurality of links is made of a single integral piece ofmaterial, and wherein the back-bending prevention portion includes afirst flange having the first surface and a second flange having thesecond surface and a web between the first flange and the second flange.2. The chain of claim 1, wherein the web extends from the first andsecond flanges toward the inner side, and wherein the post feature isconnected to the web at the inner side.
 3. The chain of claim 2, whereinthe post feature includes a first post portion extending from the web ina first direction, and wherein the post feature includes a second postportion extending from the web in a second direction that is oppositethe first direction.
 4. The chain of claim 3, wherein the post featureis integrally connected to the web.
 5. The chain of claim 3, wherein thepost feature is a pin and wherein the web includes an opening such thatthe post feature is insertable through the opening.
 6. The chain ofclaim 2, wherein the connection feature includes a first u-shaped bodydefining a first channel and a second u-shaped body having a secondchannel, wherein the post feature of the first other of the pivotallyconnected plurality of links is receivable in the first channel and thesecond channel.
 7. The chain of claim 6, wherein the web of the firstother of the pivotally connected plurality of links is configured toextend between the first u-shaped body and the second u-shaped body. 8.The chain of claim 1, wherein the entirety of each of the plurality oflinks is made of a single integral piece of a plastic material.
 9. Thechain of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of links are configuredto bend 90 degrees relative to an adjacent of the plurality of links.10. A chain system comprising: the chain of claim 1; and a magnetattached to a front link of the plurality of links of the chainconfigured to removably connect the chain to a magnetic feature of adevice whereby the chain is configured to push and pull the device alongan axis when driven by a drive system.
 11. The chain system of claim 10,further comprising: the drive system including a rotating gear drive inoperable communication with a motor, the rotating gear drive integratingwith the post features of each of the plurality of links of the chain.12. The chain system of claim 11, wherein the motor is a stepper motorconfigured to move a belt to create rotation of the rotating gear drive.13. The chain system of claim 11, the drive system further comprising: adrive system body, the drive system body defining an inner trackconfigured to guide the chain during movement of the chain by the drivesystem from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein therotating gear drive includes teeth that extend into the inner track. 14.The chain system of claim 11, further comprising: a device trackconfigured to receive the device and guide the device as the chain movesthe device along the axis driven by the drive system.
 15. The chainsystem of claim 14, further comprising a liquid chromatography systemattached to the device track, wherein the device is a transfer trayconfigured to hold a sample vial carrier, and wherein the chain isconfigured to push and pull the transfer tray along the device trackinto and out of the liquid chromatography system when driven by thedrive system.
 16. The chain system of claim 15, further comprising anaccess door located between the device track and the liquidchromatography system, wherein the access door is in operablecommunication with the drive system.
 17. The chain system of claim 16,wherein the access door is configured to open when the chain is extendedby the drive system, such that extending the chain from a retractedstate is configured to push a transfer tray through an opening of theaccess door into the liquid chromatography system, and such thatretracting the chain from an extended state is configured to pull atransfer tray through the opening of the access door out of the liquidchromatography system.
 18. The chain system of claim 15, wherein thedevice track includes guides that are keyed to the dimensions of thetransfer tray.
 19. A method comprising: providing the chain system ofclaim 10; connecting the magnet to a magnetic feature of the device;pushing the device with the chain in a first direction by driving thechain with the drive system that includes a rotating gear drive inoperable communication with a motor; and disconnecting the magnet fromthe magnetic feature of the device.